What are the responsibilities and job description for the Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) - Aspire House/Centralia position at State of Washington?
Our vision is to ensure that “Washington state’s children and youth grow up safe and healthy— thriving physically, emotionally, and academically, nurtured by family and community."
Job Title: Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2)
Location: Centralia, WA (Aspire House)
Closes: 4/29/25
Salary: $5117 – $6876 Monthly. The indicated salary does not include a 3% general wage increase and an additional 2.5% targeted increase effective July 1st, 2025.
This recruitment has been reposted for additional applications. If you have already applied there is no need to reapply— your application status remains unchanged.
We are looking for a Social Service Specialist 2 (SSS2) to join our Centralia Aspire House team. The Aspire House may serve up to seven youths, with a staff ratio of one Social Service Specialist or Social Service Support Specialist to three youths. If you have a passion for making a difference in your community, apply today.Click here to learn more about DCYF.
The Opportunity:
This position is responsible for providing supervision, culturally appropriate emotional support, personal attention, and structured daily routine to Aspire House youth. This position will require strong assessment and engagement skills to support youth with complex mental health, developmental, and behavioral needs, while also calmly managing crisis situations through de-escalation techniques.
Some of what you'll do:
- Provide youth supervision and monitoring.
- Transport youth to and from school and community-based appointments.
- Monitor and assess youth compliance with treatment, education, medical and wellbeing program requirements, and risk to self/others.
- Document breaches of security and behavioral incidents.
- Maintain a written account of each youth's daily activities and interactions during work shifts in FAMLINK.
- Manage weekly and monthly appointment calendars.
- Intervene with youth to de-escalate as appropriate.
- Conduct routine and random resident checks.
- Coordinate case planning activities for the youth with their assigned Social Service Specialist.
- Prepare, serve, and supervise meals.
What we are looking for (Required Qualifications):
Social Service Specialist 2:
- Five (5) years of paid social service experience AND 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline.
- Bachelor’s degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences, or any degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Service discipline AND one (1) year of paid social service experience
- Master's degree in social services, human services, behavioral sciences or Master’s degree which includes 30 semester or 45 quarter credits in a Social Services discipline AND completed practicum.
- One (1) year of experience as a Social Service Specialist 1.
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
- Experience in one of the following: caring for children, social care, supervised volunteer experience in youth/child-oriented organizations, counseling youth, education, and home visitations.
- Previous demonstrated experience using FAMLINK.
- Previous demonstrated work experience preparing records.
How do I apply?
Complete your applicant profile and attach the following:
- Transcripts (Unofficial transcripts are acceptable for application submission)
- Cover Letter
- Current resume detailing experience and education
Supplemental Information:
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is committed to Washington’s children and youth growing up safe, healthy, and thriving. We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the communities we serve. If you are excited about this role but you believe that your education and/or experience might not align perfectly with every qualification in the job posting, we encourage you to apply anyway.
The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability or the use of a trained service animal by a person with a disability.
Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.
This position is included in the supervisory bargaining unit represented by the Washington Federation of State Employees (WFSE). For more information: https://wfse.org/
This position requires a minimum of at least two years of driving experience and a valid driver’s license.
The incumbent must successfully complete formal training courses as required by law, policy, and regional requirements within one year of their appointment.
This recruitment may be used to fill multiple vacancies.
Degrees must be obtained from an accredited college or university whose accreditation is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), or a foreign equivalent verified by a NACES-approved organization at naces.org. Foreign Equivalency certification must be attached to the application for degrees obtained outside the U.S.
For more information about this position or if you need an accommodation throughout the application/interview process, please contact DCYF recruiter. If you're experiencing technical difficulties creating, accessing or completing your application, call NEOGOV toll-free at (855) 524-5627 or email support@neogov.com. Persons needing accommodation in the application process or this announcement in an alternative format may call the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf (TDD) at 360-664-1960.
11809Salary : $5,117 - $6,876
